The Himachal Pradesh High Court has imposed a cost of Rs 10 lakh on the state government for failing to implement directives aimed at strengthening judicial infrastructure.
The court criticised the government for offering what it described as “hollow promises” and remaining inactive despite repeated instructions.
A division bench led by Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia expressed serious concern over the prolonged lack of progress. The bench noted that nearly three months had passed without any movement towards establishing new courts and judicial posts as previously ordered.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation titled Court on its own motion vs State of HP and others, addressing the inadequacy of judicial infrastructure across the state.
The bench reprimanded the government for proposing to set up courts in subdivisions without any demand, stating it “failed to understand” this approach. It also highlighted that proposals for key judicial positions, such as Civil Judges and Additional District Judges, remain pending with no concrete action despite having been submitted to the Cabinet.
Highlighting concerns about increasing case backlogs, especially under the NDPS Act, the court noted that the Centre had repeatedly urged the state to establish Special Courts. However, the state has not developed the necessary infrastructure, despite claiming efforts to make Himachal Pradesh drug-free.
The bench observed, “Special Courts cannot be created without requisite infrastructure… the State has failed to rise to the expectation.”
The court has directed the Principal Secretary (Finance) to submit details on the budgetary allocation for the judiciary, including comparisons with the previous year and information on any increases.
Reiterating earlier criticisms of the government’s “stonewalling” on infrastructure requests, the court stated the current situation confirmed those concerns.
It ordered the state government to deposit the imposed cost of Rs 10 lakh with the court registry. The bench warned, “If further proactive steps are not taken… this Court will be constrained to pass further harsh orders regarding inability of the State to provide judicial infrastructure.”
The case is scheduled for further hearing on May 4, 2026.